While both players are appealing, the lengths to which the Eagles would have to go to add them to their roster may not make sense for the team long term.

Jones is expected to hit free agency as the Dallas Cowboys focus on quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper. The former first-round pick is expected to net market-setting cornerback money, as he will see a vast number of suitors. With Jones set to make around $15 million per year, he may price himself out of the Eagles’ range.

Similarly, Slay wants to be paid among the top cornerbacks in the league. On top of his salary demands, the Eagles would probably need to deal a Day 2 pick to the Detroit Lions to acquire the 29-year-old cornerback. The double whammy of notable resources -- cap space and draft assets -- could veer the Eagles into another venture.

The Eagles could go after someone like Carolina’s James Bradberry, but he will probably have a similar financial requirement to Jones. Philadelphia could also go the cost-effective route and try to sign two mid-level free agents like Minnesota’s Trae Waynes and Houston’s Bradley Roby, but that may not solve the team’s long-standing cornerback issues.

That’s why the team may want to search for a trade that is convenient in compensation for both their potential trade partner and the player they would acquire.

The proposal

The Eagles trade CB Rasul Douglas and a fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for CB A.J. Bouye.

Why The Player Makes Sense

Bouye, 28, is coming off a forgettable third season in Jacksonville. With several moving parts on defense -- including his former tag-team partner at cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, sitting out and then being traded -- Bouye struggled to lead a young secondary for the Jaguars. The drama and the Jaguars’ offense (or lack thereof) put the defense, especially the secondary, in a vulnerable spot.

Before that campaign, the 6-foot-0, 192-pound cornerback was on an impressive three-year tear, despite being the constant target of opposing quarterbacks. With teams choosing to avoid Ramsey, Bouye bore the brunt of opponents’ passing onslaughts for two seasons. To his credit, Bouye was firm in coverage, breaking up 26 passes during his first two years in Jacksonville. He also had 16 pass breakups during his final season in Houston, which allowed him to cash in on a five-year, $67.5 million contract with the Jaguars in 2017.

While Bouye is coming off a down year, he still graded out better than impending free agents Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills at his lowest point. Bouye can play man and zone coverage and has plenty of experience in Cover 3 looks.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes cornerbacks who can tackle and be aggressive on the ball, and those desires fit Bouye’s game. Bouye has been a willing tackler against the run, while also producing eight interceptions over the past three seasons.

Bouye’s contract is also favorable when compared to the likely demands of Jones and Slay. He is set to make $13 million in base salary this season, but he has no guaranteed money left on the final two years of his deal.

The Eagles could acquire Bouye, a former Pro Bowl cornerback (2017), and extend his deal with a nice signing bonus and two years of guaranteed money while reducing his cap number and annual price tag.

If the Eagles were to sign Bouye to a two-year extension, the team could spread out his signing bonus, while also protecting the organization with a contract it could potentially get out of after two years. For Bouye, the guaranteed money and long-term security should be appealing enough to lower his salary and cap numbers, especially after a down year.

While some may say trading for Bouye gives the player leverage, the Eagles would be trading a young player and a Day 3 pick for him. That compensation won’t force the Eagles’ hand, especially with Bouye having two years and no guaranteed money left on his deal.

The Eagles are projected to have three fourth-round picks, so trading one for the veteran won’t create any pressure to get a new deal done.

Why The Compensation Makes Sense

Let’s start with Douglas.

The former third-round pick hasn't found his footing in Philadelphia. While he's been the ironman of the cornerback depth chart over the past three years, the coaching staff has never let him become a full-time starter.

After three years of bouncing in and out of the lineup, it’s become evident that Douglas needs a change of scenery.

From the Jaguars' perspective, general manager Dave Caldwell has always favored cornerbacks with length. Douglas, 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, is among the bigger cornerbacks in the league.

Adding a Day 3 pick and a young cornerback, who fits the team’s philosophy, for a high-priced veteran, who may not be around beyond 2020, is a smart deal for the Jaguars.

The move would also open up $11.4 million in cap space for Jacksonville. The team is currently projected to have $21.4 million in cap room heading into free agency, which ranks 23rd in the league, according to Over The Cap.

Conclusion

Trading a fourth-round pick and Douglas for Bouye seems like solid value for both sides.

The Jaguars would open up cap space without having to cut the veteran cornerback, and the Eagles would upgrade the talent at the position without paying top dollar or trading a premium pick.

The deal isn’t a slam dunk, but it’s a logical alternative to overpaying for Jones or Slay.

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